RNZAF Boeing 757 replacement

On 21 November 2025, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence revealed that Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies had recently signed an arrangement to purchase two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft from US-based Air Lease Corporation.

The arrangement includes a six-year lease-to-buy deal. The overall capital cost of the project is NZD 620 million, with four-year operating costs of NZD 81 million. The aircraft will replace the two Boeing 757s currently used to transport military personnel and equipment over long distances for deployments, disaster relief operations throughout New Zealand and the Pacific, as well as diplomatic and trade missions.

The new aircraft can travel further, are more fuel-efficient, and will be able to accommodate around 120 passengers and 9.100 kilograms of cargo.

The livery for the new aircraft has been designed to match the RNZAF’s current scheme. Several options were considered before settling on the grey design with a prominent kiwi roundel, sending a clear signal that they are military aircraft and ensuring they are instantly recognisable as being from New Zealand in any environment. Looking at the image, the new aircraft will be registered as NZ7321 (and NZ7322).

Scramble Magazine first reported on the aircraft replacement programme on 21 August 2025, when New Zealand's Defence Minister Hon. Judith Collins KC announced funding to replace ageing aircraft.

The Airbus A321XLR fleet will be based at RNZAF Base Auckland near Whenuapai and operated by No. 40 Squadron Ki Nga Hau e Wha (To the four winds). As the aircraft are a commercial off-the-shelf purchase, they will be fitted out and ready to operate soon after their arrival in 2028.

Credit image: New Zealand Defence Force